The National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting Act (Bill C-224) aims to create a national framework to increase awareness of cancers related to firefighting and improve firefighters' access to prevention and treatment. The Minister of Health is required to develop this framework in consultation with provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, Indigenous governing bodies, healthcare professionals, scientists, and firefighting community stakeholders. The framework may include measures to support research, address training needs, recommend screenings, improve data collection, promote knowledge sharing, and summarize existing standards related to occupational diseases.
Within one year of the Act coming into force, the Minister must prepare a report outlining the national framework and table it in Parliament. The report must also be published on the Department of Health's website within 10 days of being tabled. After five years, the Minister must prepare and table a report on the effectiveness of the framework and the state of cancer prevention and treatment related to firefighting.
The Act also designates January as "Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month" across Canada, to help further awareness.
This Act does not appear to create spending or taxation changes, but directs the Minister of Health to create the mentioned framework and reports.